Divorce Mediation Checklist: What will I need to prepare?

Going through a divorce is challenging, and preparing for mediation can help streamline the process, reduce stress, and lead to more productive discussions. Mediation offers a collaborative approach to resolving issues, and being well-prepared can significantly enhance its effectiveness. Here’s a checklist that will help give you an idea of how you can be most prepared for your mediation session : 

Gather all relevant financial documents to provide a clear picture of your assets, liabilities, income, and expenses. These documents are important for fair discussions on property division, alimony, and child support:

• Income Statements:
  • Pay stubs, W4 Withholdings information,  tax returns (last three years), W-2 forms, 1099 forms.
• Bank Statements:
  • Checking, savings, and investment accounts (last six months).
• Debt Information:
  • Credit card statements, mortgage statements, car loans, student loans, personal loans.
• Property Information:
  • Deeds, mortgage documents, property tax statements, home appraisal reports.
• Retirement Accounts:
  • Statements for IRAs, 401(k)s, pensions, and other retirement accounts.
• Business Documents:
  • If self-employed, gather business financial statements, tax returns, profit and loss statements.

 Documenting your monthly living expenses helps in discussions about spousal support and budgeting post-divorce. This includes preparing information on:

• Housing Costs:
  • Rent/mortgage payments, utilities, property taxes, insurance.
• Daily Living Expenses:
  • Groceries, transportation, medical expenses, childcare, entertainment, clothing.
• Insurance Policies:
  • Health, life, auto, homeowner’s/renter’s insurance policies and premiums

 Compile a list of all assets and valuables to ensure a fair division. This can include:

• Real Estate:
  • Primary residence, vacation homes, rental properties, land.
• Vehicles:
  • Cars, boats, motorcycles, RVs, including titles and loan documents.
• Personal Property:
  • Furniture, jewelry, artwork, collectibles, electronics.
• Financial Assets:
  • Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, savings accounts, life insurance policies with cash value

 Collect relevant legal documents that may impact the mediation process. This can include:

• Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreements:
  • If applicable, bring copies of these agreements.
• Previous Court Orders:
  • Any existing orders related to child custody, support, or other relevant matters.
• Estate Planning Documents:
  • Wills, trusts, power of attorney, and other estate planning documents.

 Clearly defining your goals and priorities helps keep discussions focused and productive. This can include defining:

• Custody and Parenting Plans:
  • Outline your preferences for child custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and parenting plans.
• Financial Goals:
  • Determine your goals for asset division, spousal support, and child support.
• Future Needs:
  • Consider your future housing needs, career plans, and any education or training required for your post-divorce life..

  Emotional readiness is just as important as practical preparation. This can include:

• Mental Health Support:
  • Consider speaking with a counselor to help manage the emotional aspects of divorce. 
• Open Mindset:
  • Approach mediation with an open mind, ready to negotiate, compromise, and move forward in establishing peace for everyone
• Patience and Realism:
  • Understand that it is possible that mediation may require multiple sessions to help ease into discussions and take breaks after emotional conversations